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Guiltless Zucchini Marinara Subs

by Jamie

So, when a girl like me writes the word “GUILTLESS” in the title of a recipe you should be warned that it doesn’t mean the recipe is totally carb free, gluten free, or calorie free. Pretty sure the only thing that meets those requirement is a nice cool glass of water which I bet you already have the recipe for. 🙂

“GUILTLESS” in my book, means you can eat one of these babies for lunch and pat yourself on that healthy back of yours, because you ate a nice vegetable packed, low-calorie sub of wonder and bliss. Truly, these Zucchini Marinara Subs are the best new zucchini recipe I have come across this season. I made them for lunch the other day and wow…I was in love, I tell you. They came  together is just under 20 minutes!

I gave myself a pat on my healthy back and took a few pictures to show you all.

Pictures of the subs, not my back. Come now, I would not put you through such torture.

Let’s make them, man. You, me and those pretty zucchini hanging out in your garden.
Guiltless Zucchini Marinara Subs from Jamie Cooks It Up!

Guiltless Zucchini Marinara Subs
PRINT RECIPE

Time: 20 minutes, start to finish
Yield: 6 servings
Recipe adapted from Real Mom Kitchen

5 small zucchini, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 T olive oil
salt and pepper
1/2 t Italian seasoning
1 C marinara sauce (I used Prego)
6 crusty buns
1 1/2 C mozzarella cheese, grated
1/2 C parmesan cheese, grated
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1. Grab 5 small zucchini and chop them into 1 inch pieces.

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2. Chop 1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic.

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3. Heat a large skillet up over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the pan. Add the veggies and let them cook until crisp tender. Should only take about 10-15 minutes.

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4. Set you oven to broil.
5. Grab 6 crusty buns…

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and slice them in half, length wise. Line a large cookie sheet with tin foil and lay them out onto it.

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6. Carefully place about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Pop them into the oven and allow the cheese to melt and the edges of the bun to get crisp. Keep a close eye on them, it will only take a couple of minutes.
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8. When your veggies are crisp tender add 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning…

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and 1 cup marinara sauce. (I am aware that the marinara sauce  above is only 3/4 of a cup…I ended up adding a bit more later. Just trust me…1 cup will do you right. If you would like more saucy-ness, feel free to add more.)

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9. Grab the heavenly, cheesy subs and pile on the yummy zucchini filling…

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load it down, man. This is the guiltless part. I think I read somewhere that zucchini only has 10 calories per 500 pounds. At least, I think I read that somewhere.  Ok, so I maybe I just wish that were the case. Let’s just suffice it to say, zucchini is low cal. Hallelujah. 🙂

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10. Sprinkle each sub with a bit of Parmesan cheese, baby and dig in.

Enjoy! Here’s to a healthy summer!!!!!

Guiltless Zucchini Marinara Subs

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13 comments

Ted July 22, 2013 - 6:40 am

Gotta try this one! Looks good

Reply
Jill July 22, 2013 - 2:43 pm

Jamie…this looks great! I am trying to follow a vegan diet at least 80% of the time, but I’ll be a “cheatin vegan” for this!

Reply
JennE July 23, 2013 - 8:28 pm

We just had zucchini fest at our house last night(three different zucchini dishes). This morning my husband saw this post before I did and suggested these for dinner tonight. And I must agree that this is my favorite zucchini recipe this year. This dinner came together easily and was delicious. Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf and please thank your family for all their feed back on these recipes.

Reply
Kathy July 26, 2013 - 8:00 am

This looks delicious! We are trying to eat less meat so this will be a fabulous addition to the menu!

Reply
Erin R. July 26, 2013 - 12:21 pm

That looks way good. Similar to chicken parmesan,but without the chicken and the frying. For some reason I never think to put zucchini and marinara together but now I’m dying to try it. Thanks!

Reply
jana August 4, 2013 - 4:16 pm

made this for my parents today – they loved it! it was easy and quick to make. my mum burrowed the recipe right away 🙂

keep up the good work, jamie!

Reply
August Menu Plan 2013 August 5, 2013 - 12:31 am

[…] Potatoes and Corn on the Cob Oatmeal Pancakes and Omelets Orange Sesame Chicken and Ham Fried Rice Guiltless Zucchini Marinara Subs with a Big Diet Coke Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas (Crock Pot) Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops […]

Reply
Alyssa August 27, 2013 - 11:14 am

OMG!!!! This was delish! Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Coconut Lime Zucchini Bread September 18, 2013 - 12:32 am

[…] Truly. If you are looking for a recipe packed with Zucchini Flavor, give these awesome Zucchini Marinara Subs a try. They make a great, quick week night […]

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Janet January 2, 2015 - 7:46 am

Jamie, did you make the buns?

Reply
Summertime Menu Plan Week #10: August 6-13 August 6, 2016 - 12:30 am

[…] Guiltless Zucchini Marinara Sandwiches […]

Reply
decanter December 6, 2017 - 7:26 am

I am so excited about all of her kid-friendly recipes! How do I choose only one stand-out recipe? I’m very excited about the croissant chicken! I think my family will love it!

Reply
Tami Neff September 1, 2020 - 9:30 pm

Tried it tonight and thought it was a very easy, yummy, and quick recipe. I will definitely make it again when I need a meatless meal.

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